Latest news with #JohnBlack
ABC News
12-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Murujuga gets World Heritage listing after 30-year campaign, but has it come too late?
Another Australian site has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, but among the celebrations are fears that the decision has come too late. The traditional custodians of Murujuga, in Western Australia's Pilbara region, have fought to have their country's physical and spiritual significance recognised and protected for decades. "Nearly 30 years of education of this culture on this country has come to fruition," Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation director Vince Adams said. Belinda Churnside, also a director of the corporation, said the listing was a "testament to the true dedication" and resilience of Aboriginal people. But scientist and rock art researcher John Black fears the damage to the site has already been done. "An enormous amount has been lost," he said. "When you drive into Murujuga now … it looks like an industrial complex, not a sacred, World Heritage-listed gallery." Dr Black hoped the islands off Murujuga, which have been included in the World Heritage area, would now be protected. "There is so much on the outer islands that have lovely petroglyphs that need to be protected, and that will happen [now]." Mr Adams acknowledged much had already been lost to industrial development at Murujuga. He said elders in the early-2000s were unhappy about an expanding industry presence and decided a World Heritage bid was the best way to safeguard the rock art's future. In the years since approvals have been granted for two more liquid natural gas trains, two fertiliser plants, and a provisional approval to extend the North West Shelf gas project to 2070. "We can't stop them — we've tried. We've had people protest … still it carries on," Mr Adams said. He saw the listing as a bargaining chip that Murujuga custodians could use. "This is the tip of the iceberg for us," the Yindjibarndi man said. Michelle Adams, who was a cultural advisor to the World Heritage application, said the listing provided more security than what the government could offer. "We know that Murujuga World Heritage is a threat to industry, and so it should be," she said. "It's deep and it's beautiful and it has to be respected to the highest degree." Ahead of the Paris committee meeting this week the nomination was in serious doubt. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which advises the committee, had recommended knocking back the bid due to concerns about the impact of industry emissions. It was only at the eleventh hour that federal Environment Minister Murray Watt secured an amendment that saw the bid succeed. "In the end, what persuaded the committee was both the scientific evidence that was put forward, which disputed some of the claims that were being made, but also the genuine passion from the traditional owners to see this World Heritage listing be secured," Mr Watt said in Paris. The amendment included softened language regarding the prevention of further industrial development. Wording was changed from "recommends" to "encourages" in relation to a variety of protections and studies at the area. Raelene Cooper, advocate for Save our Songlines, described the amendments as "ludicrous" and said Australia should have accepted the ICOMOS recommendations. "At the end of the day, we're looking for the most protections out there," she said. WA Greens MLC Sophie McNeill said the amendment "watered down" the legitimate concerns of the ICOMOS. "We are deeply concerned the rock art now doesn't have as many protections as the experts think it should have," she said. "That's why we're calling on the Cook and Albanese governments to roll back that approval of the North West Shelf extension." Mr Watt said the federal government would ensure Murujuga was protected now and for future generations. The government agreed to update UNESCO with a report on the implementation of the amendment's recommendations by the end of 2027. WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourne said the state government would do its part. "[The WA government] will now implement the strategic management framework and establish the World Heritage property, ensuring the ongoing protection of this significant landscape which has been recognised today," he said. Woodside congratulated the traditional custodians of Murujuga on the listing and said it had been a proud supporter of the nomination and assessment process.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cocoa Beach Air Show brings F-22 Raptor, stunt pilots to Space Coast
Casual beachgoers might see more than just seagulls and pelicans soaring through the sky this weekend. The Cocoa Beach Air Show is bringing a different kind of wings to Florida's Space Coast on Saturday and Sunday. The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team will headline the show, which returns for the first time since 2023 and coincides with Cocoa Beach's 100th anniversary celebration. Aviation fans can also see the E/A-18 Growler Team, the 920th Rescue Wing, a KC-135 Stratotanker Demo, the C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team, the REMAX Parachute Team and aerobatics from a local pilot. 'Many of the performers, both military and civilian alike, love performing out over the ocean and for the beachgoers. It makes it special,' said Chris Dirato, the show's director of public relations. 'Air shows are family-friendly, and they are even more so when you can come to the beach, spend the day there and pack a lunch. You can watch folks who are protecting your freedom every day.' The show includes a display of combat search and rescue capabilities from the 920th Rescue Wing — which hails from Patrick Space Force Base in Melbourne — mid-air refueling demonstrations, skydiving and stunt flying from Cocoa Beach-based pilot John Black. While all of the acts are sure to put on a superb spectacle, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team will showcase the abilities of the 'most maneuverable fighter jet in the world.' 'You can see it climb straight up and stop in midair, then reverse toward the ground before flipping its nose around in a somersault at a near-zero forward speed,' Dirato said. 'It makes sudden sharp turns, displacing and compressing air into vapor.' Even though the F-22 is sure to captivate widespread attention and intrigue, Dirato said not to sleep on the Navy's E/A-18 Growler Team. 'The Growlers have one of the most advanced airborne electronic attack platforms. They go in and provide tactical jamming and electronic protection to military forces and our allies around the world,' he said. 'They're loud. They put on a pretty good show in their own right. You always know they're coming.' People from miles around will be able to see and hear the aircraft as they present high-flying performances, but Dirato said patrons who buy tickets can access restrooms, food and drink vendors and hear narration describing each act. While general admission tickets grant access to a private beach area near Lori Wilson Park and close-up viewing, other ticket tiers grant attendees a private 10-by-12-foot viewing area in the sand or 'Flight Line Club' VIP perks as the top option. Boat viewing is another option in a limited area on the east side of the Coast Guard Safety Zone, which extends 12,000 feet parallel with the flight path of the performing aircraft. Wherever people choose to view the show, Dirato encouraged aviation enthusiasts to join in the family-friendly festivities. 'Come out and spend the day on the beach. You can watch some great, talented aviators in the sky and watch how these planes are thrown around on a big stage,' he said. 'You can bring your kids out to the show and maybe get them interested in a career in aviation or a career in the military.' The Cocoa Beach show represents the fifth of eight stops on the Air Dot Show 2025 tour. The event previously stopped in Augusta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Ocean City, Maryland. Following upcoming stops in New York and Atlanta, the tour makes its way back to Florida for the Orlando Air Show in October. The Blue Angels are confirmed for next year's Cocoa Beach Air Show, which returns in April 2026. As for this weekend's show, Dirato and his team are hoping that the weather cooperates. 'We're hoping that Mother Nature attended the planning meetings so the weather will cooperate Saturday and Sunday,' he said. Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@ Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at The Cocoa Beach Air Show opens its gates at 9 a.m. with the Flight Line Club beach area opening at 10 a.m. on July 12-13 near Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. The aerial portion of the show runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Beachgoers may see performers practicing on the days leading up to the show. Coolers with food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed into the show as well as chairs and beach umbrellas, but pets are prohibited. For more information about parking, what to bring and tickets, visit
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Exclusive: DAYS's Colton Little Weighs In On Andrew And Paul's Wedding
Days of Our Lives' Paul and Andrew returned to Salem when Paul's father, John Black, was missing. The pair returned to Salem to help with the search. Unfortunately, John returned to town, only to be gravely injured in the explosion at the lab, where a cure for Bo was stored. In a cruel twist of fate, Hope's true love was saved, while Marlena's true love succumbed to his extensive injuries. It was the continuation of one of daytime's most beloved supercouples, Bo and Hope's love story, and the end of another. Andrew Donovan (Colton Little) and Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) first crossed paths during Beyond Salem – Chapter 2 in 2022. On this high-stakes ISA mission, Andrew, serving as an ISA agent, and Paul, working as a private investigator, teamed up to rescue John and Steve (Stephen Nichols) from the dangerous hold of Megan (Miranda Wilson). Their collaboration sparked an immediate connection, but after successfully completing the mission, the two went their separate ways. WATCH THIS: Did you know Soap Hub has a podcast?! Check it out here! In early 2023, Andrew and Paul reunited in Salem, where their friendship quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship. The couple's bond grew stronger over the following months, and by April 2023, Paul proposed marriage, an offer Andrew happily accepted. Throughout this time, the pair navigated their demanding careers and the complexities of their personal lives, building a strong foundation together. In 2024, Andrew and Paul made a home in San Francisco, but returned to Salem in July for a significant family event—the wedding of Theresa (Emily O'Brien) and Alex (Robert Scott Wilson). During the ceremony, Andrew walked his sister Theresa down the aisle, with Paul by his side, symbolizing the couple's commitment to family and each other. Despite the sadness surrounding John's death, his widow, Marlena, encouraged Paul and Andrew not to delay their own wedding plans, emphasizing the need for joy and healing within the family during this difficult time. Watch our exclusive interview with Andrew's portrayer, Colton Little, for details about the big day!
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I looked at it differently" - Lakers PR admits he has no regrets about the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal breakup
"I looked at it differently" - Lakers PR admits he has no regrets about the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal breakup originally appeared on Basketball Network. Many point to the Los Angeles Lakers' defeat in the 2004 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons as the breaking point of the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal partnership. The loss revealed that behind the curtains was a team in shambles. Advertisement Most were disappointed that the Lakers' superstars couldn't coexist. But John Black, Lakers vice president of public relations, had a different take on how things unfolded. Different perspectives When the Lakers split up the iconic duo, it seemed like everyone instantly forgot about the three-peat and the dynasty they built in Los Angeles. But Black saw how, despite all those feuds early in their stint as teammates, Bryant and O'Neal chose to stick together. "I've said this a million times to media guys: When it ended, it was portrayed as extremely disappointing and how could we let it happen that Shaq and Kobe couldn't work things out," he said via Bleacher Report. "I looked at it differently. It did work out. They spent eight years together and they didn't like each other and it was difficult, and that thing could've ended in two years or three years." Advertisement "It could've gone sour earlier," Black continued. "But despite the discomfort of it, the disharmony and dislike, they stayed together for eight years, won three championships together. People look back at the great run of harmony Magic and Kareem had together, but it was the same amount of time Shaq and Kobe spent together. I think it was pretty phenomenal that it did work out as long as it did." Related: "Yeah, they'll probably have to do something" - Bird says the NBA will be forced to move the 3-point line back if high volume continues The respect Kobe and O'Neal were no longer teammates, but the tension between them was still felt. Advertisement After Bryant lost in the 2008 NBA Finals, Shaq dissed his former Lakers teammate in a freestyle rap with a line: "Kobe, tell me how my a** taste." When Kobe won his fifth championship in 2010, he clapped back at O'Neal by telling the reporters: "I got one more than Shaq." Those little nudges between the two parties contributed to the narrative that they truly hated each other. Fans fantasized about how many championships they could've won if they put their egos aside and put in the work. Some say they could have won at least five. Some felt they could've snagged as many as eight. But instead of hypotheticals, people were more focused on their relationship. Everyone wanted the two to be on good terms. But it didn't look that way. Then 2020 January 26, 2020 happened. Kobe was no longer around. Advertisement O'Neal finally cleared the air on their relationship when the Lakers legend passed. He admitted that the two had their ups and downs, but the respect was always there. "Kobe and I pushed one another to play some of the greatest basketball of all time," O'Neal said. "And, yes, sometimes, like immature kids, we argued, we fought, we bantered or insulted each other with off-handed remarks." "But make no mistake, even when folks thought we were on bad terms, when the cameras were turned off, he and I would throw a wink at each other and say, 'Let's go whoop some a*s,'" the NBA icon added. Perhaps it's best to appreciate Shaq and Kobe's body of work as duos. Yes, they probably could've won more if they continued playing together. But they still did something very few have done throughout NBA history — won a three-peat. Advertisement Related: Gary Payton says he warned Shaquille O'Neal not to beef with Dwyane Wade like he did with Kobe Bryant: "I had to pull him aside" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Days of Our Lives Recap: John Black's Funeral Concludes
Days of Our Lives Recap: John Black's Funeral Concludes originally appeared on Daytime Confidential. On today's Days of Our Lives recap: Part Three: John's Funeral: Eric walks back to the podium and says he maintained a strong connection to John even after he discovered they weren't father, and son can be somewhat attributed to their devotion to God. He says John was a mentor for all the kids. Presiding over John's service is both the hardest thing he's ever had to do and one of the great privileges of his life. With that, he kisses his family. Hospital: Bo is beside himself because he's not at John's services. Hope says the funeral has already started but Bo says he must be there. Hope thinks John wouldn't want him to leave before he's completely healed. If something happens to him, John's sacrifice is all for nought. John's Funeral: Eric retakes the podium and says his twin sister wanted to be there but is in attendance virtually. She sent a message for him to read. She writes how she always thought John ruined her life and family. However, she now knows how much she saved them. She thinks John was actually one of the best things that ever happened to her. Sami knows she was a bit of a nightmare but thanks John for loving her mother, her family and her. She apologizes for all the times she let her pride, and her ego get in the way of thanking him for all he meant to her. Sami says she loves John and already misses him. Carrie hugs Eric and takes the podium. She talks about how John and Marlena helped blend their family and made each child feel loved and cherished. John was like a father to her being loving and attentive no matter how busy he was. She references John and Marlena's wedding in 1999 and how they had each child present a different flower to represent how they were all a part of a larger garden. They want to recreate that ritual today. Hospital: Bo promises he wouldn't risk their future by leaving the hospital if he wasn't certain he could do it. He must be there for John just like he has always been there for them. Hope agrees to get the car but only if he promises to let her know if he feels the least bit off. Bo hugs his fancy face and thanks her. John's Funeral: Carrie notes Sami has given Paul permission to act in place of her in her absence. With that, all the 'children' rise and move towards the front. Flashback: John and Marlena's 1999 wedding and the ceremony Carrie just referenced. Belle is their daisy who brightens them up with their smile. Brady is their sunflower who is bold and adventurous. Sami/Paul is their rose who has a huge generous heart with all the natural beauty nature has to offer. Eric is their snapdragon who keeps all the other flowers on their toes. Lastly, Carrie is their orchid who needs loving attention and deserves it. They can't claim her genetically but are better people for having her in their lives. John's Funeral: As each of John and Marlena's children (genetic or otherwise) are announced in the flashback, they rise and place their respective flowers by John's urn and pictures. They return to their seats and surround Marlena in love and support. Brady takes the podium and mentions how his grandfather, Timothy Robicheaux, was unable to be in attendance because of his recent hip surgery. He tells the story of how John and his father connected a few years ago. Brady mentions how much alike his father and grandfather were. That being said, there is an essential John Black attribute not connected to Timothy he must mention, the eyebrow. The congregation giggles at the welcomed light-hearted moment. Brady says the use of John Black's eyebrow was perhaps his single greatest asset. Brady outlines all the different ways his father's eyebrows conveyed emotion (Brady calling Belle Tink will always get me). Brady brings the story full circle saying John finding his father helped bring some stability to his life story. Brady notes, no matter how much his father debated his own identity, he always knew he was the world's greatest dad. It's Marlena's turn to take the podium. Brady squeezes her hand before she heads to the front. Marlena's voice catches immediately when she says she didn't even plan to speak today. She says she feels so fortunate to have expressed how she feels to her beloved before his passing. She decides to share a poem with them about love which meant so much to them. After she recites it, she takes a moment to look at the portrait of John and moves toward it. She says they had many obstacles, but their love brought them through. Marlena believes their love will bring the through this, as well. With that, she looks at her beloved John and says, 'good night, my love.' Eric retakes the podium to lead the congregation in prayer. Just then, Shawn Douglas stands in shock as his father and mother walk in. Hope hugs Marlena and SHE DOESN'T EVEN TOUCH HER (their history precedes them). Bo apologizes for the interruption and asks if he is too late to say a few words. Marlena says she would love for him to do that very thing. Bo takes the podium and remembers John's arrival in Salem. Bo notes he was trying to take John out whilst John ended up saving his life. He says John's compassion is his legacy as he constantly did everything, he could to support him. Bo says John gave him the precious gift of time. John may no longer be with them but the gifts he gave remain… and that's a fact. Bo moves towards John's portrait and tells his brother to rest in peace. Eric returns to the podium and thanks everyone for joining them today. He asks them all to join in for the upcoming celebration at the Brady Pub. Marlena tells Eric what a beautiful job he did and how proud John would have been. Kayla hugs Bo and chastises him for leaving the hospital so soon. Bo says he had to be there to pay tribute to John. Chanel tells Johnny how distressed he looked when Kayla talked about John's legacy living through them. He says he thinks his recent behavior would be disappointing to his grandpa. Chanel supports her beloved saying his recent changes give him a clean slate. Kate approaches John's portrait and says what a special place John will always hold in her heart. Just then, Roman walks up and hugs her. Marlena walks over to a bouquet of flowers and flashes back to a time John gave her lilacs, her favorite flower. She wonders who sent them… Brady asks his father to give his love to his mother (an Isabella mention!). Belle mentions the conversation she had with Shawn Douglas days prior when he said two miracles seemed too much to hope for (that line just killed me). Shawn D says how sorry he is and they embrace. Hope tells Bo she and John had a special bond because of Stefano (that would be that when she was Princess Gina, she and John had sex on a submarine – look it up). She takes a picture of John and says she is going to miss everything about him. Hope implores the angels to take good care of her special friend and Bo embraces her. Kayla tells Marlena she asked the hospital about the gold coin in John's hands, but they say it completely disappeared. Marlena says not to worry about it as the coin was meant to be a sign of hope for John's recovery… and now that hope is gone. Keep checking back for the latest Days of Our Lives recaps! This story was originally reported by Daytime Confidential on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
